Mistreated livestock could be seized, owners could pay

LINCOLN – Law enforcement officers could seize mistreated livestock with a veterinarian’s recommendation if an Agriculture Committee bill is passed.

Rick Leonard, the committee’s research analyst, presented the bill (LB423) at a hearing Tuesday. Six people testified in support of the bill, and one testified against it. The committee also received a letter of support from the Humane Society of the United States.

Under the bill, owners of mistreated livestock would also pay for any expense for that animal after seizure until the courts decided whether to charge the owner. If found not guilty, th...